Ticket resale has become increasingly common in recent years, with many ticket buyers looking to recoup some of the cost of an event by reselling their tickets. Ticketmaster, as one of the largest primary ticket sellers, also facilitates ticket resale through its Ticketmaster Resale platform.
So can you resell tickets on Ticketmaster? The short answer is yes, Ticketmaster does allow ticket resale through its Resale platform. However, there are some key things to be aware of when reselling tickets on Ticketmaster.
How Ticketmaster Resale Works
Ticketmaster launched its Resale platform in 2021 as a secure marketplace for fans to resell tickets they can no longer use. It operates similarly to other secondary marketplaces like StubHub, allowing both season ticket holders and individual ticket buyers to post their tickets for resale.
Some key things to know about reselling tickets on Ticketmaster Resale:
- Tickets must be listed for resale at or below the original ticket price. This means you cannot resell at a higher price than what you originally paid.
- Tickets can be posted for resale up until the event starts. However, Ticketmaster recommends posting at least 72 hours beforehand for the best chance of selling them.
- The seller sets the resale price. Ticketmaster recommends competitive, market-based pricing for the best chance of selling.
- There are no listing fees for the seller. Ticketmaster only charges a fee once the ticket is sold.
- The buyer is charged a 10-15% “Buyer’s Premium” on top of the resale price.
- Ticketmaster guarantees valid tickets and full support throughout the resale process.
Overall the process is quite straightforward – sellers list their ticket(s), buyers browse and purchase just as they would for primary tickets. Ticketmaster manages the delivery of barcodes and tickets to ensure a secure transaction.
Who Can Resell Tickets on Ticketmaster?
In general, anyone holding a valid Ticketmaster ticket can resell it on Ticketmaster Resale, with a few exceptions:
- Primary ticket purchasers only – You can only resell tickets that were originally purchased through Ticketmaster by you. If you received or bought a ticket from someone else, you cannot resell it.
- Non-transferable tickets – Some tickets are marked as non-transferable and cannot be resold or given to someone else.
- Restricted tickets – Certain exclusive presales, fan club promotions, VIP packages or specialty tickets may have resale restrictions.
As long as you originally purchased the ticket directly through Ticketmaster yourself, and it does not have any of the restrictions noted above, you should be able to resell it on Ticketmaster Resale.
How to Resell Tickets on Ticketmaster
Reselling tickets on Ticketmaster involves just a few simple steps:
- Access your Ticketmaster account and find the event for the ticket you want to resell.
- Select the “Sell Tickets” option – this will only appear once tickets have officially gone on sale to the public.
- Pick which ticket(s) you want to resell and select “Post Listing.”
- Enter your asking resale price per ticket (at or below original cost).
- Review the listing details and post the listing to complete.
Once posted, your tickets will be visible to prospective buyers browsing Ticketmaster Resale. You can manage or cancel your listings at any time if the tickets do not sell right away.
Make sure you remove any tickets from your listing if you sell them through other means or no longer need to resell them. And remember to transfer your sold tickets to the buyer via Ticketmaster once the transaction is complete.
Tips for Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster
To maximize your chances of reselling your tickets quickly on Ticketmaster, keep these tips in mind:
- Price your tickets competitively based on current market value.
- Include a clear listing title and description noting details like seat location.
- Add your tickets as early as possible – well in advance of the event if you can.
- Consider lowering your price as the event nears if tickets aren’t selling.
- Offer in-demand tickets for hot events likely to sell out.
- Avoid reselling restricted tickets that cannot be resold.
- Respond promptly to buyer inquiries to complete sales.
Pros of Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster
There are a few advantages to using Ticketmaster Resale compared to other secondary ticket marketplaces:
- No seller fees – Ticketmaster does not charge any upfront listing fees.
- Large buyer pool – Exposure to Ticketmaster’s large customer base.
- Trusted platform – Lower risk of fraud since all tickets are verified.
- Reliable delivery – Seamless ticket transfer ensures buyers receive them.
- Support – Assistance from Ticketmaster with any issues.
The major benefit is having access to Ticketmaster’s sizable audience of ticket buyers and leveraging their systems for secure delivery. Reselling directly through their resale exchange provides peace of mind.
Cons of Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster
There are also a few potential downsides of Ticketmaster Resale to keep in mind:
- Buyer premium – The 10-15% fee charged to buyers eats into your sale potential.
- No price control – Inability to sell above original face value.
- Limited inventory – Restriction to only listing originally purchased tickets.
- High competition – Competing with other resellers for buyers.
- Less exposure – Lower visibility than larger resale sites.
The buyer premium, in particular, may make it harder to resell tickets at attractive prices compared to sites with lower fees. There are also limitations around what inventory you can list.
Alternatives to Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster Resale provides a convenient option, it is not the only way to resell tickets. Some other popular alternatives include:
- StubHub – One of the largest secondary marketplaces with competitive fees.
- Vivid Seats – All-in-one selling platform with free listing tools.
- eBay – Leverage their massive marketplace to list tickets.
- Craigslist – Simple free local classifieds site to find buyers.
- Facebook Groups – Buy/sell groups specific to the event or team.
These sites give sellers more control over pricing and allow a wider range of inventory. However, delivery and security of tickets can be a bigger risk on non-official resale platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to resell tickets on Ticketmaster?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to resell tickets on Ticketmaster as long as you adhere to their policies. As the authorized ticketing outlet, Ticketmaster provides a sanctioned marketplace for ticket resale in compliance with state regulations.
Do I have to transfer tickets right away after selling on Ticketmaster?
You should transfer tickets to the buyer as soon as possible after the transaction is complete. Most buyers expect near-instant ticket delivery these days. Make sure to communicate with your buyer on expected transfer timelines.
What happens if my Ticketmaster resale tickets don’t sell?
If your tickets do not sell on Ticketmaster Resale, you can either cancel your listing or let it expire after the event. Your unsold tickets will be returned to you to use yourself or attempt to sell through other means.
How much does Ticketmaster charge to resell tickets?
Ticketmaster does not charge the seller any fees to post tickets for resale on their platform. However, they do charge the ticket buyer a 10-15% “Buyer’s Premium” on top of the resale price.
Can you sell mobile tickets on Ticketmaster?
Yes, mobile tickets purchased through Ticketmaster can be resold on their platform as long as the original buyer posts the listing. The tickets can be securely transferred to the buyer’s Ticketmaster account.
The Bottom Line
Ticketmaster Resale provides a legitimate, low-risk option for reselling your tickets directly back to the source. While selling fees are avoided, reduced price control and smaller market exposure make it less ideal for serious resellers. Yet for casual ticket holders just looking to make back some money on an unused ticket, it remains a solid platform to conveniently list and sell to other Ticketmaster customers.
As with any secondary ticket market, be sure to follow all rules and regulations in your state and proceed with caution before completing transactions. With smart practices, you can comfortably resell your extra tickets and make some money back through the official Ticketmaster Resale marketplace.